McDonnell moves to St Helens

St Helens have signed Australian full-back Shannon McDonnell, who parted company with Hull earlier this year.

Free agent McDonnell, 26, has joined the Super League leaders until the end of the season as a short-term replacement for the injured Jonny Lomax.

"Shannon is a great addition for us," said Saints coach Nathan Brown. "He has a lot of experience in his position and will add strength and depth to our squad.

"Losing Jonny Lomax for the rest of the year has seen Paul Wellens move back to a position he has played in for most of his career.

"If he wasn't available or we needed him to play elsewhere, then we don't have anyone with that amount of experience to play in one of the toughest positions in the game.

"Bringing in Shannon means we have someone with a lot of experience to fill that role.

"He has already joined up with our squad and, if everything goes well then he will play a game with one of our partnership clubs next week. We can then see where he is at.

"This is a great deal for us and a bonus for Shannon as he can play at a club that is doing well and showcase his talent to Super League and the rest of the world."

McDonnell, a former Junior Kangaroo, played for Wests Tigers and Newcastle Knights before moving to Super League in 2011.

He initially played for Hull Kingston Rovers before moving across the city to Hull two years ago but has not played since damaging a hamstring in the Challenge Cup semi-final last July and is currently involved in a legal battle with the club.

"I'm pleased to be part of this club," McDonnell said. "It has great traditions, coaching staff and players and this is a good opportunity for me to come and play rugby league again.

"I am keen to get training and playing and I will get my head down. I am a full-back but I will stick my hand up to play wherever the coach wants me to."